A bread review? Why Yes!

     I am trying to work out and eat better.  I wanted to let you know about a great choice in bread at your local grocery store.  I recently tried Oroweat HealthFull bread.  It is low in calories, high in fiber, and my kids love it too. 

     With school lunches getting a bad rap lately, it is time to think about sending a homemade lunch every day instead of just 4 days a week.  Seriously, did you see the picture of pink slime for meat that is being served?  Yuk! 

Just another thing that won't make you moody!  Try it today.

http://http://http//www.oroweat.com/

AmorePacific Review

Last week I mentioned I loved Sephora and today I will tell you one more reason why I love Sephora! They have such a range of amazing products and brands that I never would discover at my local drugstore. Not to say that drugstores don't have great products, but to really discover new innovations and sometimes new favorites, you have to trek to Sephora or visit online.

The newest brand I tested is a Korean brand named AmorePacific.  They have been around since 1945 and unite traditional Asian beauty secrets with modern innovation. They use nutrient-rich, indigenous Asian ingredients like green tea, bamboo, and Korean red ginseng to penetrate, moisturize, and renew skin.

The first thing that made me realize they were different was the unique design of the containers and how they opened.  It was like a hat box and you unscrew the bottom to reveal what was inside.  It took a few attempts to open it but then I realized how modern and sleek the little containers were and how much time was put into the design.  I am very into packaging so I was really impressed. 

The second thing I noticed was the the scent of the cremes.  They had a subtle scent but very nice.  It was a pleasure to use these products. 

To test the three products, I used a three step process.  I washed and dried my face as usual and immediately put on the Time Response Skin Renewal Serum with my fingers.  It came in a small pump so it was easy to use and mess-free.  It had a nice smell and didn't burn my skin as some serums have in the past.  I then applied the Time Response Skin Renewal Creme.  I used it all over my face and neck.  It felt very smooth and nice to the skin.  It also had that nice scent that I mentioned before.  After that, I used a very small amount of the Time Response Eye Renewal Creme.  This eye cream was very sensitive and did not cause any burning on my eyes or any skin reaction (and my skin is sensitive).  The creme left my eyes feeling hydrated and that continued throughout the evening.  I felt like extended use of the Time Response Eye Renewal Creme would really make a difference on my fine lines and problems areas.

The next morning my skin felt and looked great.  It was supple but not greasy.  My eyes looked refreshed and moisturized.  I really liked using AmorePacific and actually ended up using all the serum but still have a little creme left.  I am going to save it for special occasions.  I know it sounds funny but when I find a product that feel luxurious, I like to savor it! 

I hope that when you go to Sephora you will at least stop by the AmorePacific and take a look.  You might just find a new favorite like me!

For more information on the products please visit: http://us.amorepacific-cosmetics.com/  AmorePacific can also be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Holt Renfrew, and Cosbar.


*I received a sample for review.

Coupon Chief

I love online shopping!  I really didn't get into it until this last holiday season because I felt like I was spending too much on shipping and also spending more to get free shipping.  Then I found out about coupon websites with promo codes.  This has changed my world because I found out I could not only get free shipping but sometimes discounts on top of that. 

Coupon Chief is one of the websites I found as a great resource for online coupons.  They have literally thousands of stores to choose from and also allow you to upload your own coupons to help others.  They also have a great feature where you can sign up to get coupon alerts for your favorite stores.  I sure wish I knew about Coupon Chief years ago when I spent all that money on shipping.  Being a coupon clipper, I have found that every penny helps.  Also, with gas prices going up so much, I have to find ways to save money. 

Coupon Chief also has all my favorite stores including Lucy, Road Runner Sports, Sephora, and my husband's favorite, Camping World!  Don't ask me why, Camping World to him is like Sephora to me. 

One nice feature of Coupon Chief is that members comment, rate, and validate coupon codes.  It is so frustrating when checking out at on online shop and finding out that your coupon code is invalid.  Hopefully this feature will eliminate that frustration for you.

Not only does Coupon Chief have promo codes for online stores but they have deals for travel.  I noticed they have packages for Southwest Airlines to Las Vegas.  Hmm, my anniversary is coming up soon!  I think I will have to send hubby this link.  Camping World and Vegas deals- he will be in heaven.

Here is the link in case you are doing some online shopping or just want to browse: 
http://www.couponchief.com/

Coupon Chief is also on Facebook and Twitter.

Vapour Organic Beauty Review

In 2009, I first discovered Vapour products when I reviewed their Stratus Instant Skin Perfector here.  I have long been a fan of this product and recently had the opportunity to try out a few new Vapour Organic Beauty products.  Here's what I tried and what I thought of each product:

Siren Lipstick
Siren comes in a sleek container and is perfect to tote along for a night out with a small clutch.  This long-wearing lipstick comes in sixteen shades.  I tried Incognito and it was perfect for my skin tone.  It is a great neutral tone to wear everyday.  Another plus side- it's CHEMICAL-FREE.  Yay for organic companies!

Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss
How could I not love a lip gloss named as People Style Watch's #1 Lip Gloss?  This stuff is awesome and hydrating.  It really does plump but not in a painful way, just a fuller lip way.  I sampled the color Honor - a sheer golden pink.  100% of Honor's proceeds go to breast cancer research.  This color was great because it added a little lustre to my Siren lipstick.  Again, chemical-free!

Aura Multi Use Blush

Aura is a great blush because it comes in a cream stick and gives a natural flush color.  I dabbed a little on my cheeks and used my fingers to blend it to my desired look.  I used Spark and it was the perfect amount of pink and yet looked good with my salmon blouse.  This blush received an Allure Best of Beauty award.

Stratus II Gold Soft Focus Skin Perfector

I left the best for last!  This is an updated or amped up version of the original Stratus Skin Perfector (that was in stick form).  This newer version comes in a pump and is much easier to apply.  It is like a moisturizer, primer, and no-color foundation in one.  It balances all skin types and can be worn with foundation or without.  I would never leave my house without foundation so this is the perfect base for my skin.  It glides on so smoothly and really feels luxurious on the skin.  I love it!  Did I mention it does not contain silicone or other chemicals?

As you can see, organic cosmetics are really stepping up to the cosmetics game and showing the world that you don't need chemicals to have beauty and feel good about your skin.  I am really impressed with Vapour Organic Beauty and look forward to sharing my tips with my family and friends.  After all, I don't want my loved ones using chemicals either.

To see the entire line check out Vapour's website:

http://www.vapourbeauty.com/

*I received samples for review.

Self Tanners

7 Worst Self-Tanners

What's worse than pale, pasty skin? A bad fake tan. See the 7 worst self-tanners here

This is a TotalBeauty.com body article While we all love gorgeous, sun-kissed skin, risking melanoma just isn't worth it. Enter self-tanners. The best self-tanner can give you a natural-looking glow in just minutes. And an awful one will leave streaks and can even turn your skin into a shade of orange only Snooki would admire. Readers say these 7 self-tanners are the worst offenders. Get reviews

NO. 7: BANANA BOAT EVERYDAY GLOW SUNDIAL FACE SELF-TANNING LOTION -- ALL SKIN TONES, $9.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.1

"This is nasty. It reeks of chemicals, it has no accuracy whatsoever on the dial, and it takes MANY applications to work."

NO. 6: L'OREAL PARIS SUBLIME BRONZE LUMINOUS BRONZER, $8.97

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.9

"This product resulted in a streaky mess in my hands. I don't know why this would be as I followed all the usual self-tanning guidelines (exfoliate, use on dry skin, etc.). I rubbed and rubbed and rubbed and still could not get it to look uniform."

NO. 5: JERGENS NATURAL GLOW HEALTHY COMPLEXION DAILY FACIAL MOISTURIZER, $8.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.9

"It took so long to dry and left my skin feeling sticky. The smell is horrible too. It gave my face nice color, but I couldn't get over the sticky feeling and bad smell to use it for more than a couple of days."

Want to see what was the worst? Click here!

Per-fekt Brow Perfection Gel Review

One of the newest trends from the Golden Globe’s red carpet was bold, structured brows. Did you happen to notice Rooney Mara’s?  She is not only one of the hottest new stars but has such a delicate and polished look.  You too can get her eyebrow look with per-fékt beauty brow perfection gel.  It works like a brow pencil, powder, and sealant all-in-one. This unique mousse-like gel is enriched with rich antioxidants, honeysuckle and sage extract to condition brows while taming the unruliness. 

I have always had pretty thick eyebrows but like everyone else they can become messy and look out of place if not controlled with a brown pencil or brush.  I once tried a comb and hairspray but that just produced flakes.  Not pretty!

I recently tested the per-fékt brow perfection gel and it was amazing.  Once you try this all-in-one product you won't want to have anything else.  The gel is so easy to use as it comes in a small tube like mascara and has a brush that perfectly forms your brows.  The reason it works so well is because you control how much you put on and the look of your brows.  If you are running errands then lightly apply it for a clean look.  If you are going out for a night on the town, layer it a little thicker for a more dramatic look. 

I was so pleased with my look that I have been using per-fékt daily.  Luckily, it can be found at your local Sephora and if you don't have one in town, visit the websites below to pick out your color today.  You can have per-fékt eyebrows too! 

per-fékt comes in four shades:  Nude (clear), Champagne (for light blonde to medium blonde hair), Caramel (for medium blonde to medium brown hair), and Espresso (for dark brown to black hair).

Grab yours today for $22 at perfektbeauty.com or Sephora stores/Sephora.com

* I received a sample for review.

Glittered Nails? Sure, why not?

Non-Cheesy Nail Art for the Over 30 Set

Can nail art look classy on women in their 30s? We find out

This is a TotalBeauty.com nails article As we get older, there are certain things we must say goodbye to. Glitter eyeshadow, pink hairstreaks, and cheesy Hello Kitty nail decals are a few. But we wondered: Is there a way to wear nail art after 30 without getting one-eyebrow-raised looks from your family, friends, and co-workers? Check out these grown-up nail art looks and decide for yourself. See the looks

Miss Tina Clothing Line Review

Walmart gets a bad rap.  I am sure it has to do with that great website that displays all the trashy photos of shoppers.  I have found that my local Walmart has some of those customers as well but only on certain days and at certain times.  I am a master shopper when it comes to timing.  Like the time when I walked into Walmart and they were reducing all their Halloween costumes to $1.00?   That was one of those adrenaline pumping shopping moments.  I think I bought about 10 and my kids still haven't grown into all of them. 

So what about their clothes?  Would you shop at Walmart for clothes?  What about for work clothes for important business meetings?

I am not ashamed to say it, I get some of my clothes at Walmart.  Sure, I didn't go to Walmart to look for clothes at first.  I went there to look for beauty deals, Real Steel action figures, and DVDs.  Oh the list goes on when you are a mother of two boys and a shopaholic.  As a side note, they have great kid's clothing too! My son has some of his favorite sports shirts and pjs from Walmart.

This review is the Miss Tina by Tina Knowles fashion line.  I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the quality and fit. 

How about these adorable and trendy ankle pants?  Yes, I said I would never sport this look but after seeing it on a few moms "sort of" close to my age, why not?  $18.00 and they come in tan and army green.

Smocked Peasant Blouse?  This is a great shirt with jeans for days off with the kiddos or at a work meeting dressed up with a fitted jacket.  $16.00 on the Walmart website.  I got it in an aqua/brown color as well.  Now I just need some shoes with a bright yellow flower or stripe to match.

This belted convertible dress was so fun and comfortable! It was only $19.00.  I tried it on in an aqua print and loved it.  I would most likely use my own belt for a different look.   

So in a nutshell, I love the Miss Tina line and I will be back to Walmart to shop for clothing among other things!

7 Best and Worst Sugar Substitutes

Sugar substitutes can cut out the calories, but are they killing you? Find out which ones to sweeten your tea with here

This is a TotalBeauty.com weight loss diets article The promise of a shot of sweetness without the calories makes it hard to pass up a pack of Equal or Splenda. But researchers have found that these go-to sugar substitutes can not only make you hungrier, but even cause cancer. Avoid the carcinogenic culprits and stick to the healthful ones with this roundup. Get facts

Closet Challenge

I am so excited to be a part of the Closet Challenge over at well to do, you. My challenge was to choose one item and wear it three different ways.  I chose a blouse from Old Navy.  I purchased it on clearance recently and also bought it in cream and white.  Obviously, I like polka dots!  Here is the cream version from their website but it is sold out.  I will be modeling the navy blue blouse. 

Casual work outfit.

Pants: Target, Sweater by C&C California, Booties by IMPO from DSW.

Casual shopping day outfit.

Scarf and Shoes: Target, zippered vest from LL Bean, Jeans by Miss Me from Dillards. Purse: Tommy Hilfiger from TJ Maxx.

Movie Night/Date Night

Scarf from Target, Purse from TJ Maxx, leggings by Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's, Boots are Ralph Lauren from DSW.

Hope you enjoyed my Closet Challenge.  Trust me, it's harder than you think to pose in your backyard and not feel silly! My son was kind enough to take these pictures for me. 

For more Closet Challenge pictures, head over to http://www.welltodoyou.com/ or click the icon below.

Lady Speed Stick Review

I have been working out more this year - Yay for 2012 Resolutions!  I am kind of on a roll and really enjoying my sweaty time at the gym.  I have been walking and running on the treadmill, using hand weights, and taking some Les Mills classes.  The classes are amazing and the instructors really push me.  They literally scream , "Don't you dare stop!" kind of like Jillian Michaels.  One of the things I have learned at the gym is who not to stand next to in class.  It is sad to say but some people simply don't wear deodorant at the gym.  I understand not waking up to get ready for the gym or wanting to wear makeup but deodorant is kind of a must in my book.  Do you wear makeup at the gym?  I do and you can see why in this article.

One deodorant I recently tried was Lady Speed Stick Fresh Illusions in Rainkissed Waterlily.  I am as picky about how my deodorants smell as I am my perfume or lotion.  I stand in the aisle and smell them all and then make my boys smell them all.  They are so used to it and just as picky as me.  I just love this scent.  The actual deodorant works great, lasts all day, and does not stain my clothes.

Try it, you might like it too!

Here is the website: http://www.colgate.com/app/LadySpeedStick/US/EN/HomePage.cvsp


*Nothing to disclose, this was purchased at my local grocery store with a coupon :)

Mary Kay Satin Hands Pampering Set Review

I love all sorts of lotion.  I think it's because I live in a very dry climate and my skin usually resembles a lizard or a female construction worker that works with cement.  I prefer really thick moisturizing lotion for my hands, especially at night before bed.  One that I have been loving the last year is the Mary Kay Fragrance-Free Satin Hands Hand Softener (that's a mouthful).  I know it says Fragrance-Free but this stuff smells so good.  I have no idea what is in it to make it smell so good but it is so subtle and works for me.  My husband has been using it too on his dry hands.

Unfortunately, it only comes in the Satin Hands Pampering Set.  Here is what is available in

the kit and how to use it:

Step 1: Use the Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Softener to help maintain skin’s natural moisture.

Step 2: Cleanse and exfoliate with one pump of Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Satin Smoothie® Hand Scrub and warm water.

Step 3: Apply a small amount of Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Cream for instant moisturization for up to 24 hours.

It is also available in a peach-scented formula and there is a travel size available. 

Here is a link to Tammy Vavala's site.  I don't get commission if you use her, I just have had great luck with her.  Hope you like it as much as I do!
http://www.marykay.com/tvavala/spabody/bodycare/10032362/10032362/default.aspx  

Female Football Fashion Tips

Look Appropriately Girly for Football Sunday

Just because you're hanging with the boys for the big game, doesn't mean you should look like them. See how to look pretty without trying too hard

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article Step away from the CheeseHead and sweatpants. Here's how to look appropriately cute for that football party, without being called a girly girl. See tips

Guest Post at well to do, you plus Giveaway

I am so excited to be featured as a guest post at the blog, "well to do, you" today.  Hop on over and check out my post on Beauty on a Budget plus enter for the $20 Target gift card.  Who couldn't use that??

While you are over there, check out the Dress to Impress project.  Suz really has an eye for style and makes a great model.  It is amazing all the good this project does and how fun it is for the readers. 

Follow well to do, you on twitter or on Facebook to keep up on her posts. 

18 Best Face Cleansers

You're doing your face a disservice if you're not using one of these top-rated cleansers. See what they are now

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care products article Does your cleanser still leave you with mascara residue under your eyes? Does it irritate your sensitive skin? Do you still struggle with overly active oil glands? You need one of these 18 reader favorites. They'll help you put your best face forward. Read reviews

No. 18: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7

"I have combination skin that is prone to both dry patches and blackheads and this is the only cleanser I have found that does a wonderful job of keeping my pores clean without stripping my face and leaving it crepe-y or scaly looking."

No. 17: Mary Kay Creamy Cleanser 2, $12

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

"My face used to feel tight after washing it, but since I started using this cleanser, my skin is always soft and moist now."

No. 16: Ambi Complexion Cleansing Bar, $1.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

"This cleanser has a great fragrance and leaves your face feeling refreshed and revitalized without removing the skin's natural moisture."

Want to see what was No. 1? Click here!